Manuel Neuer can still make the difference for Germany through his "charisma" – Jerome Boateng
Posted Monday, May 28, 2018 by squawka.com
Germany defender Jerome Boateng says Manuel Neuer is irreplaceable in goal ahead of the World Cup in Russia.
He only made three appearances for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga this season, but Neuer is predicted to make it into Germany's World Cup squad.
Despite an excellent performance from Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen this term, Boateng believes Neuer is irreplaceable between the sticks.
"It makes a difference whether Manuel Neuer is in goal or another," Boateng told Kicker.
"Manuel is the best goalkeeper in the world, the others are also very good, Marc-Andre ter Stegen has developed super, but Manu has a different charisma than any other.
"These statements should not be understood, as a criticism of ter Stegen," he added. "This is not a devaluation of the others, but Manu is just Manu."
Neuer has missed most of this season due to a foot injury sustained in September, but the shot-stopper remains a key figure for both club and country.
The 32-year-old made it into Germany's provisional squad, and he could make the starting XI ahead of ter Stegen, Paris Saint-Germain's Kevin Trapp and Bernd Leno of Bayer Leverkusen who all joined him in the initial 27-man roster.
If Germany win one more World Cup they will equal Brazil's record of five. The reigning world champions are ranked as the number one team in the world and are favourites, alongside Brazil, to win the tournament.
Germany's first game in the competition will take place in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow against Mexico on 17 June.
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